Security Updates andWindows Explorer 7 Information Bar

[BobNY]

I've been avoiding Microsoft Windows updates and alerts for some time by turning off the automatic updates option and have been able to remain secure by using other software means (i.e., proprietary patches). However, I decided recently (unfortunately) to download some security updates from Microsoft but still try to retain the option of having the automatic security update option off. In the process, Internet Explorer was updated to ver 7.

Internet Explorer 7 is so annoying! I cannot turn off the information bar that indicates that my computer is at risk and until I resolve this by clicking the X box, I cannot go to my home page. Essentially, Windows Explorer wants me to turn on automatic updates. I've tried turining off the information bar by turning off the options that they indicate (popups, etc). But, MS does not provide an ability to turn off the bar when security settings "place the system at risk". Does everyone hate Microsoft as much as I do? Please help! I want to turn this darn bar off so that when I launch Internet Explorer, it opens to my home page.

 

[linney]

You could uninstall IE7 via Add or Remove Programs and revert to IE6. You could look at non-Microsoft browsers.

Check your settings in Tools/ Internet Options/ Advanced/ Security, look at the ones for Active Content.

You could try launching IE7 with "No Add-ons" via the System Tools folder.

What happens if you add your Home Page to the Trusted Sites list in IE7?

 

[smah]

The information bar warning is not telling you about Windows Update - it's tell you about settings within IE. If you must have IE set this way for some reason, at least be aware of what you're being warned about --> Go to Tools, Internet Options, Security tab, Internet Zone, Custom Level button. The item(s) that you're being warned about will be highlighted in pink.

 

[BobNY]

@linney
There are no options in the security folder that will turn off the alert. I will look in the systems tools folder to try launching without "add ons". Thanks for the suggestion.
If I can't turn it off that way, I'll go back to IE6. BTW, the only obvious feature I see in IE7 is the 'tab' feature which could be accomplished in IE6 by just launcing IE6 again and then using Alt-tab to switch from one window to the other. Maybe it's time to look into Firefox.

@smah
I know what I'm being warned about. The information bar is warning me about windows updates..indirectly. The warning indicates my computer is at risk BECAUSE I don't have windows updates set for automatic downlowads. I don't want it set for automatic downloads or via a prompt option because then I would have to deal with interruptions when the machine then begins to download updates in the middle of an activity. I'm trying to reduce alerts but maintain security.

In the help menu, it describes how to turn off the warning bar via disabling pop-up warnings or file/software downloads, but NOT for warnings based on settings in security center. This is another example of how Microsoft bullies it's customers. Remember how it was dialing home every time one booted up to insure that the ver of windows on a system was legitimate and not bootlegged? After a whole lot of complaints, it backed off and is now dialing home less often.

Sorry for the rant.

 

[linney]

Just to clarify things (if you like) you could supply a screenshot of what warning you are seeing?

http://www.photobucket.com/

With Windows Updates, I use the compromise setting of being notified when updates are available but not downloading them until I want them downloaded. This option gives you facility to tell Windows Updates not to download any you don't want and to never bother you with any refused update again. I don't have any security warnings from IE7 in XP or Vista, nor do I get warnings from the Security Center. The only warning I get is a yellow shield in the Notification Area which tells me that updates are available if I want them.

 

[BobNY]

@linney
Many a time you have been very helpful in solving some of my rather bizzarre problems and I do thank you for your suggestions. Unfortunately, nothing that makes any sense solved this problem. But, it was solved, rather unintelligently. Here's what I did.

I changed security center's option to automatically download. Then, I went back into IE7 and the alert was gone. Went back into security center and returned setting to 'turn off automatic updates' and then checked IE7. Voila, no more alerts! Why? I have no idea. It would be nice to know why such solutions work. BYW, launching IE7 with no add ons (this can also be launched by right clicking the IE icon) had no effect on the outcome.

Happy New Year!

 

[linney]

I am just glad that you got it fixed, all the best.